Volunteer: Develop Library Book Kit Program & Fundraising Strategy Package

This is a volunteer opportunity provided by Taproot Foundation, a nonprofit creating social change through pro bono connections. We are seeking a skilled volunteer to help us build a scalable fundraising, sponsorship, and partnership package for our Library Book Kit program. The Book Kit program is designed to place curated educational book kits into library systems, helping students build literacy, life skills, confidence, and career awareness through engaging STEM-focused books and companion resources. We are currently building this program from the ground up, including developing the program model, connecting with libraries, and securing sponsorships to fund book kits for local library systems. We are looking for a volunteer with experience in program development, fundraising strategy, sponsorships, or community partnerships to help us strengthen and organize this package into a polished, repeatable model. Our goal is to create a professional package that can be used not only by our organization, but also by others who want to launch this program in their own communities. Specific deliverables include: - A complete fundraising package for the Library Book Kit program - Sponsorship levels and donor opportunities for businesses and community supporters - A partnership toolkit for libraries and local organizations - Outreach materials and messaging for sponsors and partners - Templates for sponsorship letters, presentations, and partnership conversations - A scalable implementation guide so communities can replicate the program successfully - A civic organization outreach and pitch strategy An important part of this project is helping us identify how to effectively connect with civic and community organizations whose missions align with literacy, education, and youth development, including groups such as Kiwanis International, Rotary clubs, Junior League chapters, literacy councils, and other education-focused organizations. We want to create a clear strategy for pitching these organizations on how they can use or sponsor the Library Book Kit program as part of their literacy outreach and community service initiatives. This includes helping us define: - Why civic organizations should support this program - How this aligns with their literacy and education goals - How sponsorship creates measurable impact in local communities - The best funding and implementation models for civic groups Ultimately, we want to create a practical, easy-to-use, and scalable program that allows libraries, sponsors, and civic organizations to work together to expand literacy and educational opportunities for students. This project directly supports our mission by expanding access to literacy, career exploration, and life skills education for students who may not otherwise have access to these resources. The Library Book Kit program creates opportunities for students to engage with books and educational resources that help them build critical life skills while exploring real-world careers in STEM and other high-demand industries. Libraries serve as trusted community hubs and are ideal partners for reaching students and families across diverse backgrounds. By building a strong fundraising and sponsorship model, we can place more educational resources into libraries and significantly expand our impact. Equally important, this project helps us build stronger community support through civic partnerships. By engaging civic organizations and community groups in funding and supporting these kits, we create a collaborative model where libraries, sponsors, and local organizations work together to improve literacy and educational access. This project will help us: - Increase student access to high-quality educational resources - Expand literacy and career exploration opportunities - Build stronger library and community partnerships - Create sustainable funding pathways for growth - Develop a scalable model for nationwide expansion The long-term impact is greater access, stronger community involvement, and more students gaining the confidence, communication skills, and career readiness needed to thrive in school, career, and life. Books That Build Skills powered by Athenian is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on helping students, specifically girls ages 10–15, explore careers, build life skills, and gain confidence through STEM education. Through books, library partnerships, and podcast content, we help students better understand the real-world skills and careers shaping the future. Our mission is to equip the next generation with the communication, critical thinking, and career readiness skills they need to succeed. We are committed to making this project successful and creating a productive experience for the volunteer. We have already completed significant foundational work, including: - Building the core concept for the Library Book Kit program - Identifying target library systems and partnership opportunities - Beginning outreach to libraries and potential sponsors - Developing initial program messaging and materials Because I am actively building this program myself, I can provide valuable real-time insight into what is working, what challenges are arising, and where the biggest opportunities exist. This firsthand experience will help the volunteer quickly understand the project and focus on areas where their expertise can create the greatest impact. The volunteer will have access to: - Full program background and goals - Existing materials, sponsorship ideas, and notes - Real-world feedback from library outreach and sponsor conversations - Insights from current partnership development efforts - Fast communication and timely responses throughout the project This real-world feedback will be especially valuable in helping refine the fundraising package and strengthening our strategy for pitching civic organizations as partners in this initiative. I am highly collaborative, organized, and open to expert recommendations. I am committed to supporting the volunteer with whatever information or materials are needed to ensure this project moves efficiently and successfully. Our goal is to create something practical, polished, and sustainable—not just for one library system, but for communities nationwide. Books That Build Skills powered by Athenian Mission: Books That Build Skills (Athenian) empowers middle-grade girls by combining literacy, STEM edu-tainment, and story-driven learning to build reading confidence, leadership, problem-solving, life skills, and career awareness through the Charms Book Series, kits, workshops, camps, and multimedia programs.